Data News Weekly

Lighting The Road To The Future
Jazz Fest
Weekend 2
Data Zone
Page 4
“The People’s Paper”
May 11 - May 17, 2024 58th Year Volume 3 www.ladatanews.com
A Data News Weekly Exclusive
Why are Louisiana Politicians
Attacking our Culture and
Tourism Economy?
Chayil Jones
Justin Brown of
Rep. Candace Newell
Horace Anderson (Spy Boy)
Sen. Royce Duplessis
FeatherFundNola.com
EmpoweryouNola
State Representative, District 99
Creole Wild West Tribe
State Senator, District 5
Page 2
Newsmaker
Former NOPD
Superintendent Michelle
Woodfork joins DA Office
State & Local
Troy A. Carter, Sr. Celebrates
the Reversal of Governor
Landry’s Decision
Page 6 Page 6

Page 2
May 11 - May 17, 2024
Cover Story
www.ladatanews.com
Why are Louisiana Politicians Attacking
our Culture and Tourism Economy?
Justin Brown of
EmpoweryouNola
Rep. Candace Newell
State Representative, District 99
Horace Anderson (Spy Boy)
Creole Wild West Tribe
Sen. Royce Duplessis
State Senator, District 5
Chayil Jones
FeatherFundNola.com
Louisiana culture, as we know it, is facing extreme
challenges by its own politicians. HB383 by Rep. Jay
Galle- Slidell seeks to destroy the very cultural fabric of
New Orleans and its tourism economy. This bill, along
with a slew of others, are proposed under the guise of
protesting and protecting police officers, such as HB
173 Rep. Bryan Fontenot- Thibodaux and HB205 Rep.
Brian Glorioso- Slidell.
What is HB 383:
Relative to civil liability; to provide for limitations
of actions; to provide relative to a pedestrian
illegally blocking a roadway; to provide for use of
force with vehicle in order to retreat or escape;
and to provide for related matters. Be it enacted
by the Legislator of Louisiana.
Further explanation:
No pedestrian illegally blocking the roadway in
violation of HB 383, or ANY OTHER applicable statue
shall have a cause of action against the operator of a
motor vehicle for ANY injury, DEATH, loss of damage
resulting from any act or omission by operator of motor
vehicle.
Plain Talk:
Any parade, funeral procession, second line, children’s
parade, or any cultural practices (that do not
require a permit) can be driven through with a motor
vehicle if the driver is confused, unaware of surroundings,
and fearing for his/her life. Drivers will have No
responsibility or liability, monetarily or criminally, for
results of driving through a parade or procession, including
death.
This kind of law disrupts the cultural economy of
this city and its community. It places a fear of gathering
for citizens to hold traditional celebrations that bring
tourism dollars to this city, by the tune of $891 Million
(2023) just with Mardi Gras/Carnival Season activities.
An estimated $90 million from non-permitted events is
hosted by the Black Masking/Aboriginal Carnival Injuns
(or Mardi Gras Indians) and the Social Aid and
Pleasure Clubs each year. The Injun processions have
been taking place since 1830 and are grandfathered in
to not require permitting; these types of processions
are most at-risk.
Rep. Candice Newell was asked about the effects
this bill would have on cultural and economic traditions
INSIDE DATA
Cover Story, Continued on page 3.
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Cover Story
www.ladatanews.com May 11 - May 17, 2024
Page 3
Cover Story, Continued from page 2.
in New Orleans. She responded by
saying, “It puts our culture bearers
at risk, as well as the citizens of New
Orleans and the visitors, if we are
making laws that are so broad and
general that give people a defense
for showing no regard or no respect
for human dignity of life. Who will
want to continue this culture and
these traditions and who would
want to visit to see these traditions
if at the whim of another who proclaims
to have some feign since of
fear for the processions going on?
Who would want to continue to participate
and come to our beautiful
city and see these traditions being
carried out?”
Although this bill and others
come under the guise of protesting
and protecting police, Rep. Jay
Galle in a New Orleans Advocate
article states the reason for his bill
is “that he worried about scenarios
where his wife and kids might come
upon a protest that got out of hand.”
In the City of New Orleans, a parade,
second line procession, or funeral
can be viewed as a “protest.”
During the reconstruction of 1865,
every Mardi Gras float was a political
statement even to the recent
“HB 383 is an extremely
problematic and dangerous
bill that threatens
the physical safety
of civilians. This bill
will not only protect
but empower bad actors
to plow through
a crowd of people with
a vehicle based on any
alleged “belief” of immediate
danger. This bill
is “stand your ground”
on steroids and should
not become law.”
– Royce Duplessis,
State Senator, District 5
explicitly graphic floats made about
our present mayor. Do these qualify
as a protest in Rep. Jay Galle’s scenario?
We requested feedback from
Rep. Galle’s office but had not received
a response at press time.
Rep. Candice Newell was asked
about the potential judicial ruling
under this bill: who would have the
right in the scenario of a concealed
weapon owner opening fire on a
speeding motorist that is unaware
of their surroundings at a parade
or second line processions in fear
of their lives? Her response was, “I
see many conflicts arising, and no
one having to bear responsibility.”
Justin Brown of
EmpoweryouNola says.
“This legislation is so vague with
these house bills that no one knows
who would be legally justified. If
both parties decide to take action
because they fear for their lives,
the motorist or pedestrian carrying
a legal weapon, it’s not clear who
would be at fault.”
When asked the same question
Bro. Willie Mohammed responded
by saying, “At the root of this bill is
anger over the numerous protests
that have taken place over the continued
abuse of members of various
law enforcement departments.
The bill is vague and subjective. If
‘a driver feels their life is in danger.’
Sounds similar to the language that
is used to justify the use of violence
by members of the law enforcement
who say they used deadly force ‘because
their life was in danger.’ Illegally??
Every act of civil disobedience
that forced America to change
its racist laws and even Supreme
Court decisions was considered illegal.
There is a better way, and this
bill is not it.”
What can the
community do?
This HB 383 moves to Senate
committee June 1st before moving
to the senate floor to be passed. To
stop it in committee, we must contact
listed committee members via
emails and phone calls to Say No to
HB 383.
Many citizens in this city are
tired, agitated, and want change but
are fearful of speaking up. I hope
that spirit continues until there is
no fear of economic backlash from
political ties, and as a city and community,
regardless of religious or
ethnic background, can stand together
in these troubling times of
changing laws.
Please see the Judiciary A Committee
Members listed below.
Miller, Gregory A.
Chairman | Dist. 19 | R
Email: sen19@legis.la.gov
Luneau, Jay
Vice Chair | Dist. 29 | D
Email: luneauj@legis.la.gov
Carter, Gary
Member | Dist. 7 | D
Email: carterg@legis.la.gov
Edmonds, Rick
Member | Dist. 6 | R
Email: sen06@legis.la.gov
Jenkins, Sam
Member | Dist. 39 | D
Email: sen39@legis.la.gov
Mizell, Beth
Member | Dist. 12 | R
Email: mizellb@legis.la.gov
Seabaugh, Alan
Member | Dist. 31 | R

Page 4
May 11 - May 17, 2024
Data Zone
www.ladatanews.com
Jazz Fest Weekend 2
Photos by
Demian Roberts
and Fleur De Lis
Data News Weekly
Contributors
The New Orleans Jazz &
Heritage Festival was two
weeks of great food, music,
and arts and crafts. This year
the festival spanned eight
days, with two equal four-day
weekends: April 25th - 28th
and May 2nd - 5th, 2024. The
historic Fair Grounds was
where the event, featuring
over 5,000 musicians across
14 stages, offered a variety of
musical genres and delicious
local cuisine. Thousands
came out for the second weekend,
and Data News Weekly
was there!!!
Trombone Shorty
Cyril Neville
Queen Latifah Amina Scott Germaine Bazzle
Steel Pulse Joseph Boudreaux The Rumble Irma Thomas
Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events.

www.ladatanews.com May 11 - May 17, 2024
Data Zone
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May 11 - May 17, 2024
Newsmaker
www.ladatanews.com
Former NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork joins
DA Office as Forensics and Intelligence Director
Data News Staff Edited
Report
Former New Orleans Police Department
Superintendent Michelle
Woodfork is joining the Orleans
Parish District Attorney’s Office
as the Forensics and Intelligence
Director.
Last week, New Orleans District
Attorney Jason Williams announced
the appointment. Woodfork
will be working closely with
NOPD Homicide Detectives to
perfect communications and other
measures that help investigators
focus on the most violent criminals
in the city.
Woodfork will also be working
with digital tools to advance the way
cases are solved. District Attorney
Williams says he was impressed
with her dedication and years of
service to the city.
Michelle Woodfork continues to help make New Orleans a safer city. Recently, she joined the District Attorney’s Office under the leadership of
New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams. He says he is excited that a law enforcement veteran like Woodfork is joining his team and bringing
her experience and office expertise to help in the fight against crime in the city.
State & Local News
Commentary
Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. Celebrates the Reversal
of Governor Landry’s Decision not to Participate in
Summer EBT Program, Sends Letter to USDA
Louisiana to Receive $71 Million Federal Dollars
Music Is the Lifeblood of New
Orleans: Let’s Pay the People
Who Make It Possible
Data News Staff Edited
Report
Last week Congressman Troy
A. Carter, Sr. sent a follow-up letter
to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) after being in constant
communication with Secretary Vilsack
and Deputy Secretary Small
following an announcement by the
Louisiana Department of Children
and Family Services (DCFS) confirming
that the agency will submit
a Notice of Intent to USDA to participate
in the Summer EBT Program.
Congressman Carter has consistently
called for this action since
February and has worked with Federal,
State and local leaders to bring
this effort to fruition.
Congressman Carter’s letter requests
that, due to late notice from
the state, the USDA Grant Waivers
and use the maximum flexibility
and expediency possible to implement
this critical program and have
Louisiana Congressman
Troy A. Carter Sr.
benefits accessible for families by
the anticipated June 4th start date.
“The decision from the DCFS
gives our state the outcome we urgently
needed to provide $71.1 million
from the Federal Government
for food during the summer months
to children who need it most. Now,
I am working to ensure waivers are
granted so that families in our state
can access the benefits of the Summer
EBT Program at the earliest
possible date,” said Congressman
Carter.
“I would like to give special
acknowledgment to Rep. Jason
Hughes, who never gave up the
fight to convince his Louisiana
Legislative colleagues to do the
right thing. I would also like to
thank Senate President Cameron
Henry, Speaker of the House Phillip
DeVillier, House Appropriations
Chairman Jack McFarland,
Representative Delisha Boyd,
Representative Aimee Freeman,
the entire Louisiana Legislature,
New Orleans Council President
Helena Moreno and the entire
News Orleans Council, and, of
course, the Landry Administration
for heeding our call to put
children over politics.”
Percy “Master P” Miller
Master P is one of the most successful
rappers and producers of all
time, but like any other recording
artist, he’s never earned a dollar in
royalties for when his recordings
get played on U.S. radio stations.
This is because for as long as radio
has existed, U.S. Law hasn’t required
stations to pay the performers
on songs, only the songwriters.
It’s a uniquely American phenomenon
as markets in many other
countries have paid both creators
for years. (make smaller font)
Master P thinks the answer
comes from the passage of the
American Music Fairness Act,
which would update the law and allow
recording artists to start seeing
radio royalties as well. Master P is
one of many artists including Jackson
Browne, Gloria Estefan and
Peter Frampton who’ve now called
for the passing of the bill and for the
Music and Business Mogul Percy
“Master P” Miller
standard to change.
No place in the world has influenced
music quite like New Orleans.
Visitors flock to our city from
all over the world to experience our
vibrant and diverse music scene
that spans every genre imaginable
– from jazz to gospel to blues to
rock to hip hop, and more. They all
Commentary, Continued
on page 7.

www.ladatanews.com May 11 - May 17, 2024
Biden Urges Order as Arrests and Chaos
Rise at Pro-Palestinian College
Protests Nationwide
Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior
National Correspondent
Commentary, Continued
from page 6.
come to take part in the festivities
characterized by the powerful music
that defines the Big Easy.
Now imagine if we only celebrated
music, but refused to pay
the artists that make it all possible?
That would be insane. But that’s
exactly what big radio has been doing
for decades. Most people don’t
even know that it’s happening, but
it’s true: No matter how popular a
song gets or how many times it gets
played, the artists and musicians
on the track have never been paid
for the use of their work on AM/
FM radio - and it’s all legal, because
of an outdated loophole in the law.
This keeps hundreds of millions of
dollars a year from flowing into the
hands of hard-working artists and
musicians in the United States, and
as technology continues to evolve
and creates even more barriers for
artists getting paid, fixing this old
piece of legislation has never been
more critical to pass.
And the solution is simple. Congress
has introduced bipartisan
legislation - the American Music
Fairness Act - that would finally pay
Joe Biden, President of the United States
artists when their music is played
on AM/FM radio. Passing this
legislation would bring economic
justice to generations of music creators
that have suffered because of
our outdated laws.
I’ve been fortunate to see my
music reach more people than I
ever could’ve imagined as a kid
growing up in Calliope Projects.
My songs have been played on the
radio hundreds of thousands, if
not millions, of times over the past
three decades, but me and my fellow
artists who made those songs
have never gotten a single penny
for our performances.
But this is far bigger than
me. Because for every recognizable
artist like me, there are
thousands of everyday artists
out there – from background
vocalists to studio musicians to
sound engineers – who are just
doing their best to make a living
by making the music we all love.
I’m going to be OK regardless,
but what about the people whose
names you don’t know who put
their heart and soul into helping
artists like me make the records
you love? They may not be able to
National News
President Joe Biden, in his
first remarks since April 22nd, addressed
the escalating Pro-Palestinian
Demonstrations on American
college campuses in a strongly
worded speech where he noted that
there’s a delicate balance between
dissent and disorder in a democratic
society.
“Dissent is essential for democracy,”
Biden asserted, “but dissent
must never lead to disorder.”
Biden’s comments come amid
protests nationwide, with more
than 1,900 arrests reported. The
long-running conflict between Israelis
and Palestinians, which has
recently intensified due to violence
in the occupied territories, has fueled
the demonstrations.
During his address at the White
House, Biden emphasized the importance
of upholding the right
to free speech and the rule of law.
“We are not an authoritarian nation
where we silence people or squash
dissent,” he declared. “But neither
are we a lawless country. We are a
civil society, and order must prevail.”
The president stressed that
while peaceful protest is protected,
violence and destruction are
not. “Destroying property is not a
peaceful protest,” he asserted. “It’s
against the law. I understand people
have strong feelings and deep convictions.
In America, we respect the
right and protect the right for them
to express that. But it doesn’t mean
anything goes. It needs to be done
without violence, without destruction,
without hate, and within the
law.”
Biden also condemned any form
of hate speech or violence, including
antisemitism, Islamophobia, or
discrimination against Arab Americans
or Palestinian Americans.
“There should be no place on any
campus, no place in America for
antisemitism or threats of violence
against Jewish students,” he affirmed.
“It’s simply wrong. There is
no place for racism in America. It’s
all wrong. It’s un-American.”
Biden remained firm in responding
to questions about potential
policy shifts or the deployment of
the National Guard considering the
protests. “No,” he stated unequivocally
to both inquiries.
pay their rent or put food on the
table for their family because radio
refuses to pay them for their
work - and that’s where this problem
has a real impact.
It’s time for change, and we all
have a part to play. We recently
launched a new effort to help elevate
the grassroots voices of artists
and their allies, and ensure our
voices are heard by the people with
the power to finally fix this injustice.
I hope you will join us. Because if
enough of us speak out, I’m hopeful
that our elected officials will do right
by artists by passing the American
Music Fairness Act into law.
As we see Jazz Fest festivities
come to a close in New Orleans,
we’re reminded that everyday artists
are the lifeblood of our communities.
They shouldn’t have
to choose between feeding their
families and chasing their dreams.
Each and every one of them deserves
our respect. Each and every
one of them deserves to live
with dignity. Each and every one of
them deserves to get paid for the
use of their hard work.
And each and every one of us
can help make that a reality - by
using the same voice that sings
along to music on the radio, the
same voice that calls out for more
at the end of a set, to remind our
legislators of the importance of
providing the artists that make the
soundtrack to our lives with the basic
fair pay they deserve.
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Of Data News Weekly’s
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New Orleans,
Bringing Our Readers The
Stories That Mean The Most To
The African American Community
And Beyond!
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